Independent software · Sonny & Robo

Useful tools.
Built with care.

We’re building StormBeacon: a weather app focused on readable forecasts, recent radar and useful choices for your phone.

Support StormBeacon development

Our first featured projectIn development

StormBeacon

Weather, clearly.

01

See what is changing

Current conditions. Hourly graph. Daily outlook.

02

Give radar some context

A full map, compact playback and clearly organized layers.

03

Make it work for you

Home-screen widgets, themes and saved places.

Android closed testing · iOS TestFlight beta

Built for U.S. weather

Forecasts, radar and official alert information.

Location is your choice

Choose a place, use an address or allow GPS.

No app account required

Save places and preferences locally; export a backup when you choose.

Meet StormBeacon

A practical weather companion.

From a quick forecast check to a closer look at changing conditions.

01 / Forecasts

The day, at a glance.

Use Weather’s Now, 24 hours, Week and Details views to check current conditions, inspect forecast graphs and expand day or night details.

02 / Radar & alerts

Details worth seeing.

Play recent radar and read official U.S. watches and warnings with clear timestamps and readable details.

03 / Your controls

Settings with a purpose.

Choose light or dark themes, tune radar loading, and back up selected settings with encryption on by default.

Inside StormBeacon · Updated November 5, 2026

A closer look at the features.

Weather views, sharing, Quick layers and saved locations.

In-development screenshots. Final appearance and features may change.

Current-source browser preview · Kansas City Union Station · November 5, 2026. Recorded weather, not current conditions. Features may differ by installed beta build and device.

Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Weather: NOAA / National Weather Service.

Tap any image to enlarge it. For current warnings, visit the National Weather Service.

Read the updated How to use StormBeacon guide for step-by-step instructions, 23 current screenshots and help with the new controls.

Now · current conditions. See conditions, feels-like temperature, humidity, wind, the reporting station and its distance. Check the observation time before you share.
Now · current conditions

Check the observation behind the number.

See conditions, feels-like temperature, humidity, wind, the reporting station and its distance. Check the observation time before you share.

View larger
24 hours · one graph. Tap or drag across the chart, swipe the hour buttons, and fine-tune with Previous hour or Next hour. Open Hour by hour or preview an infographic.
24 hours · one graph

Follow the next 24 hours.

Tap or drag across the chart, swipe the hour buttons, and fine-tune with Previous hour or Next hour. Open Hour by hour or preview an infographic.

View larger
Week · daily outlook. Compare daily highs, overnight lows and precipitation chances. Switch between Daily summary and Every 3 hours for a closer look.
Week · daily outlook

See the week take shape.

Compare daily highs, overnight lows and precipitation chances. Switch between Daily summary and Every 3 hours for a closer look.

View larger
Details · day and night. Tap a dated day or night to expand its written forecast, then tap again to collapse it.
Details · day and night

Read each forecast in place.

Tap a dated day or night to expand its written forecast, then tap again to collapse it.

View larger
Forecast · image preview. Preview the next 24 hours, then use Copy image or Share image. The location, forecast period and source stay with the graphic.
Forecast · image preview

Review the picture before sharing.

Preview the next 24 hours, then use Copy image or Share image. The location, forecast period and source stay with the graphic.

View larger
Radar · playback. Use Play, the timeline, the Current icon and the scan-time details pill. The stacked-layers and sliders icons open quick and detailed controls.
Radar · playback

Keep the map in view.

Use Play, the timeline, the Current icon and the scan-time details pill. The stacked-layers and sliders icons open quick and detailed controls.

View larger
Radar · Quick layers. Switch between Weather and Outlooks, choose alert types, or use Clear all. Detailed Easy / Advanced controls remain available for legends and adjustments.
Radar · Quick layers

Choose layers while watching the map.

Switch between Weather and Outlooks, choose alert types, or use Clear all. Detailed Easy / Advanced controls remain available for legends and adjustments.

View larger
Locations · two save choices. Save and use this location changes your active weather and alerts. Save location (do not set as active) keeps your current place selected.
Locations · two save choices

Save for now or for later.

Save and use this location changes your active weather and alerts. Save location (do not set as active) keeps your current place selected.

View larger

About Sonny & Robo

Practical software.
Room to keep improving.

Sonny and Robo is the publisher behind StormBeacon.

We’re developing and testing StormBeacon on Android and iOS, with invited iOS testers using TestFlight. This site shares our progress, explains the separate beta tracks and helps you get more from the app.

We value clear information, useful feedback and changes tested on real devices.

Development changelog · Updated November 5, 2026

What’s new in StormBeacon.

Apple build 349 · Android build 349
Separate beta tracks · See verified status below

New in private testing

Your weather office, easier to find.

Open Office weather updates from Alerts, even when there is no active alert. Read local office products and view attached images from clearly labeled, unofficial supplemental feeds.

Official NWS alerts remain the source for warning status, boundaries and expiration. For supported severe thunderstorm and tornado watches, infographic previews offer the official SPC map directly alongside StormBeacon’s generated summary.

Not every local warning has a matching government-hosted graphic. We’ve contacted NWS about additional direct image sources.

Limited testing

Try it with the testing group.

StormBeacon is in limited Android and iOS testing for U.S. users ages 13 and older. There is no public release yet. Development screenshots and changelog entries may show features newer than the version available to invited Google Play or TestFlight testers.

The age-safety choice stays on your device and is not sent to the developer. Under-13 and unanswered choices show an offline notice before weather requests begin.

Read the app privacy policy for location, feedback and data-handling details.

See the dated Apple and Google status cards below for each store’s latest candidate and confirmed tester availability. Existing iOS testers can open TestFlight, choose StormBeacon and check for updates. Native iPhone validation is ongoing; the ongoing weather notification is an Android feature.

New in build 186 · development testing

A clearer map for winter, drought and everyday weather.

Winter impacts adds NOAA/WPC shading for Day 1, Day 2, Day 3 or the combined three-day period across the lower 48. The key explains impact levels and shows the forecast issue time and valid period.

U.S. Drought Monitor adds weekly drought conditions, including Alaska and Hawaii, with assessment and publication dates. D0 means abnormally dry, not drought. These are regional conditions, not a forecast for an individual property.

Easy mode now includes Winter weather and Drought presets, plus a prominent Watches & warnings on/off control. Selecting a preset keeps the Layers panel open. The alert switch preserves the current weather view and its highlighted selection. Both new layers include opacity controls and work with All overlays off.

SPC mesoscale discussion details now have separate Copy graphic and Copy discussion text buttons.

Performance keeps moving forward

Less waiting. Less repeated work.

Radar playback spends less time processing frames and redrawing the surrounding interface. Wind and temperature share catalog parsing, and native cache reads stay responsive while new tiles are saved. Existing radar history and cache retention are preserved.

Radar widgets use the same native cache improvements. Small groups of map tiles load together, and a saved tile remains available if its refresh fails. Office updates reuse cached office lookups and feed responses; posts load when you open the page.

Provider speed, connection and device still affect loading. These improvements reduce StormBeacon’s own workload without lowering image quality or removing weather features.

Current builds are intended for ages 13 and older. Builds 178–180 below describe an earlier development approach that was replaced in build 181.

Build status by store

Last verified 2026-11-05. Apple and Android progress independently.

Apple · TestFlight

1.42.11 · Build 349

Available to invited testers

Build 349 is Testing in StormBeacon Volunteer Beta for the existing nine testers, with automatic notifications enabled. Live 3D radar now comes to iPhone: Cloud/Solid/Soft/Gates, rolling map coverage, city labels, remembered 2D/3D switching and feet/kilometer altitude labels. Also includes experimental Future radar, Alerts inbox, office feed and copy improvements. Native Swift, app compilation and IPA/widget checks passed; physical iPhone feedback remains with testers.

Android · Google Play closed testing

1.42.11 · Build 349

Submitted for review

Version 1.42.11 (349) was submitted to Alpha closed testing and Google confirmed the commit. Today now hides the alerts section when no active alerts are returned for the set location; active alerts, loading/error notices and the Alerts tab remain available. Includes live 3D and experimental Future radar. Approval and tester availability remain unverified. This alert-section change is not in the previously submitted iPhone build 349.

These are beta testing tracks. No public App Store release has been made.

1.42.11 (Android build 349): November 5, 2026 — A quieter Today screen

Read updateClose update 1.42.11 (Android build 349): November 5, 2026 — A quieter Today screen
  • A quieter Today screen. The alerts section now hides when the alert check finds no active alerts for your set location. It returns when active alerts arrive; loading and error notices remain visible.
  • Alerts are still easy to find. The Alerts tab remains available for checking status, refreshing and reading official messages.
  • Live 3D and Future radar are included. Explore Cloud, Solid, Soft or Gates radar with rolling map coverage, city names, feet/km altitude labels and remembered 2D/3D switching. Future radar remains an experimental movement projection, not an official forecast or warning.
  • Android build 349 was submitted to Google Alpha closed testing; approval and tester availability remain unverified. The existing signed artifact was verified and uploaded without rebuilding. Public version remains 1.42.11.
  • iPhone build 349 remains available in TestFlight with live 3D radar. The new empty-alert-section change was made after that iPhone build and will require a later iPhone update.

1.42.11 (iPhone build 349): November 5, 2026 — Live 3D radar comes to iPhone

Read updateClose update 1.42.11 (iPhone build 349): November 5, 2026 — Live 3D radar comes to iPhone
  • Live 3D radar comes to iPhone. Build 349 brings the native radar-volume decoder to iOS. Explore NOAA radar in Cloud, Solid, Soft or Gates mode from the 3D radar button on the main map.
  • Explore with a map underneath. Pan to load nearby radar coverage, orient with city labels, and tilt, zoom or rotate the view. Background surface generation keeps the previous radar surface visible while the next one loads.
  • Switch views and altitude units. Return with 2D radar and reopen 3D with your view remembered during the session. Altitude labels default to feet and can switch to kilometers. Cloud mode is stylized radar, not satellite imagery or a measured cloud boundary.
  • The other shared updates are included. iPhone build 349 also includes experimental Future radar at +15/+30/+45/+60 minutes, the Alerts inbox, office feed and image/text copy improvements. Future radar projects movement and is not an official forecast or warning.
  • Verified before upload. Native decoder parity and transport tests, Xcode compilation, and app/widget package checks passed. Physical iPhone testing remains important: please report blank views, crashes or loading problems with the location and time.
  • Build 349 has been uploaded to Apple TestFlight. See the dated store-status cards above for the latest verified tester availability. Android build 348 remains submitted to Google Alpha closed testing; its approval and tester availability are unverified. Public version remains 1.42.11.

1.42.11 (Android build 348): November 5, 2026 — Live 3D radar on Android

Read updateClose update 1.42.11 (Android build 348): November 5, 2026 — Live 3D radar on Android
  • Explore live radar in 3D. Tap 3D radar on the Android Radar map to explore NOAA radar volumes in Cloud, Solid, Soft or Gates mode.
  • Move with the weather. Pan across the map to load nearby radar coverage. A map underneath the volume and city labels help you see where storms are located. Tilt, zoom and rotate to inspect the storm structure.
  • Smoother Cloud loading. Background surface generation keeps the previous radar surface visible while the next one loads. Cloud mode is stylized radar, not satellite imagery or a measured cloud boundary.
  • Switch views and units. Tap 2D radar to return to the standard map. Reopening 3D remembers your view during the session. Altitude labels default to feet, with a switch to kilometers.
  • Android build 348 was submitted to Google Play Alpha closed testing. Approval and tester availability are not yet verified. Live 3D radar is Android-only; Apple remains on TestFlight build 288. Public version remains 1.42.11. Experimental Future radar from the previous Android update is also included.

1.42.11 (Android build 346): November 5, 2026 — Experimental Future radar

Read updateClose update 1.42.11 (Android build 346): November 5, 2026 — Experimental Future radar
  • Major new feature: look an hour ahead. Experimental Future radar joins the regular Android app in build 346. It projects possible rain movement using the frozen Original model at +15, +30, +45 and +60 minutes.
  • One map, familiar playback. On supported U.S. Smooth Composite radar, choose Future beneath the playback bar and press Play. Choose Past to return to actual radar observations. Smooth rendering and the compact controls stay on the main map.
  • Ready for the next scan. Future radar refreshes as observations arrive and when you change map areas, remembers your selected lead, and retries failed loads automatically.
  • A projection, not a promise. Future radar is experimental. Storms can grow, weaken or turn in ways the movement model does not capture. It is not an official forecast or warning; use official NWS warnings for safety decisions.
  • Research continues separately. Five-minute forecast steps and model comparisons remain in the separate Testing app. The regular app uses the four 15-minute projections.
  • Android build 346 was submitted to Google Play Alpha closed testing. Approval and tester availability are not yet verified. Apple remains on TestFlight build 288; Future radar has not been submitted for iPhone. Public version remains 1.42.11.

1.42.11 (Android build 333): November 5, 2026

Read updateClose update 1.42.11 (Android build 333): November 5, 2026
  • A quieter Alerts inbox. Compact rows show alert names and expiration times. Full official messages remain one tap away, with office updates and notification preferences below the list.
  • Cleaner local office updates. Readable post cards replace the long stack of controls. Source options and post menus keep blocking, reporting and original links available without crowding the feed.
  • Attachment controls that work both ways. Close an image and its description using either the top attachment button or the bottom Close image button.
  • Copy the content you need. Copy an attachment image, post text or an available image description to your clipboard. Browser image copying depends on clipboard access and the source host; the full-size link remains available.
  • Android build 333 was submitted to Google Play Alpha closed testing. Approval and tester availability are not yet verified. Apple remains on TestFlight build 288; these interface changes have not been submitted for iPhone. Public version remains 1.42.11.

1.42.11 (Android build 314): November 3, 2026

Read updateClose update 1.42.11 (Android build 314): November 3, 2026
  • More room for Radar controls. The Updates button has been removed from the Radar toolbar. Updates remains immediately left of Settings on the other tabs.
  • Your news history is still available. The yellow unread asterisk, full Updates page and section jump buttons remain available from the other tabs.
  • The toolbar change passed TypeScript checks. Previous County map recovery improvements remain included. Future radar stays exclusive to the separate Testing app; the official signed bundle passed the exclusion check.
  • Android build 314 is submitted to Google Play closed testing for review; approval and tester availability are not yet verified. Apple testers remain on TestFlight build 288. Public version remains 1.42.11.

1.42.11 (Android build 313): November 2, 2026

Read updateClose update 1.42.11 (Android build 313): November 2, 2026
  • Development news has a new home. The new Updates button sits immediately left of Settings in the main header and Radar toolbar. News has moved off the Weather tab into a full page with all announcement text visible.
  • Know when there is something new. A yellow asterisk marks news you have not opened on this device. Opening Updates clears it across restarts, and a new news revision brings it back.
  • Jump through the history. Section buttons lead to Latest changes, Radar & maps, Weather & forecasts, Alerts & safety, and App & settings. Back to sections, Close and Android Back make it easy to navigate and return to your previous screen.
  • The Updates changes passed 23 targeted tests and TypeScript checks. County map recovery improvements remain included. Future radar stays exclusive to the separate Testing app; the official signed bundle passed the exclusion check.
  • Android build 313 is submitted to Google Play closed testing for review; approval and tester availability are not yet verified. Apple testers remain on TestFlight build 288. Public version remains 1.42.11.

1.42.11 (Android build 312): November 2, 2026

Read updateClose update 1.42.11 (Android build 312): November 2, 2026
  • Recover stalled County map tiles. Requests that stall without reporting an error now time out and retry. Repeated failures continue retrying slowly instead of leaving permanent gaps after the first three attempts.
  • Keep loaded boundaries in place. Recovery runs at most two requests at once, pauses while the map is inactive and stops for tiles removed from the map. Successful neighboring tiles stay in place. Failed county exports use a fresh request URL to avoid reusing a failed cached response.
  • The recovery passed 83 targeted map tests and TypeScript checks. Provider outages can still delay boundaries. Future radar remains exclusive to the separate Testing app; the official signed bundle passed the exclusion check.
  • Android build 312 is submitted to Google Play closed testing for review; approval and tester availability are not yet verified. Apple testers remain on TestFlight build 288. Public version remains 1.42.11.

1.42.11 (Android build 311): November 2, 2026

Read updateClose update 1.42.11 (Android build 311): November 2, 2026
  • Show SPC outlooks as they arrive. Ready wind, hail and other outlook layers can appear without waiting for slower selected layers. Provider response times can still vary.
  • Recover missing map boundaries. Failed boundary tiles retry automatically and become visible after a successful retry, without reloading neighboring map tiles.
  • Future radar stays in the separate Testing app. Forecast controls, workers, model data and the region validator are excluded from this official beta. The packaged Android bundle passed the exclusion check. Existing Smooth Composite history and panning improvements remain included.
  • Android build 311 is submitted to Google Play closed testing for review; approval and tester availability are not yet verified. Apple testers remain on TestFlight build 288. Public version remains 1.42.11.

1.42.11 (Android build 306): October 31, 2026

Read updateClose update 1.42.11 (Android build 306): October 31, 2026
  • Keep Smooth Composite history when panning back. Nearby coverage can load while the available cached timeline stays selectable. Rapid direction changes retain playback instead of resetting to the latest frame.
  • Restore previously loaded frames. Returning to a cached area reuses its history, and frames removed from the drawing cache can be drawn again when selected. New areas still need to load; Loading may appear while cached playback remains available.
  • Verified on a connected Samsung with a full swipe right immediately followed by a swipe left, and by panning away, loading the new area, returning and selecting an older frame. Both checks retained 16 available frames.
  • Android build 306 is submitted to Google Play closed testing for review; approval and tester availability are not yet verified. Apple testers remain on TestFlight build 288. Public version remains 1.42.11.

1.42.11 (Android build 300): October 30, 2026

Read updateClose update 1.42.11 (Android build 300): October 30, 2026
  • Choose your wind view. Animated shows denser moving trails without static wind shading. Static shows wind shading alone. Static + Animated combines both. These choices are available for Surface wind and Wind gusts.
  • Dismiss Quick layers with an outside tap. Tap outside the box to close the menu, including a product submenu.
  • Air quality for Current, Today and Tomorrow. AirNow supplies reported AQI areas. NOAA PM2.5 and ozone forecasts fill forecast gaps where data are available. Diagonal shading and NOAA model estimate labels distinguish these app-derived categories from official AirNow forecasts. Regional estimates are not street-level measurements.
  • Includes the earlier radar controls and forecast-chart improvements. Missing air-quality shading does not necessarily mean good air quality.
  • Android build 300 is submitted to Google Play closed testing for review; approval and tester availability are not yet verified. Apple testers remain on TestFlight build 288. Public version remains 1.42.11.

1.42.11 (Android build 296): October 30, 2026

Read updateClose update 1.42.11 (Android build 296): October 30, 2026
  • Radar controls stay at the top. The radar icons share a top row, with the radar name below. Longer names such as Smooth Composite no longer push the controls down.
  • Explore the Week chart. The daily chart fits the screen so you can tap a day or drag across the week to inspect highs, overnight lows and precipitation chances.
  • Nearby Weather Office Updates. This clearer label appears on the Alerts button and related panels. The existing unofficial-source disclaimer remains. Blocking a supplemental source stops its posts and images on that device; Unblock this source restores access. Official NWS alerts are unchanged.
  • Includes the earlier hourly selection, text-size recovery and smooth-radar improvements.
  • Android build 296 is submitted to Google Play closed testing for review; approval and tester availability are not yet verified. Apple testers remain on TestFlight build 288. Public version remains 1.42.11.

1.42.11 (Android build 294): October 30, 2026

Read updateClose update 1.42.11 (Android build 294): October 30, 2026
  • Find the hour without aiming at a tiny slice. Large, swipeable hour buttons below the 24-hour chart show the local time, temperature and precipitation chance.
  • Your selection stays in view. Previous hour and Next hour move the button row to the chosen time. Tap and drag across the full-day chart to inspect the forecast, or use the buttons for a precise choice.
  • Text-size changes get a follow-up fix. Opening Settings preserves the chosen hour, and reducing text size corrects the row position when its content becomes shorter. Please try larger text, select later hours, then switch back to smaller text and report any remaining display issues.
  • Smooth radar, city labels, themes, 30/60-minute history and progressive loading remain included. This update builds on the earlier Android 290 changes.
  • Android build 294 is submitted to Google Play closed testing for review; approval and tester availability are not yet verified. Apple testers remain on TestFlight build 288, which does not include these hourly-selection changes. Public version remains 1.42.11.

1.42.11 (Android build 290): October 30, 2026

Read updateClose update 1.42.11 (Android build 290): October 30, 2026
  • No need to wait for the whole weather parade. Smooth radar history now arrives one observation at a time. Playback and scrubbing become available once two frames are ready, while the rest continue loading.
  • A count that keeps up. The details pill shows loading progress, such as 4/16 loading, instead of sitting at 1/1 until the batch finishes. It starts with Loading while the history list is being found.
  • Your place stays your place. Scrubbing keeps the chosen observation selected as older frames arrive. Smooth rendering, city dots and names, themes and the 30/60-minute history options are preserved.
  • Phone checks captured 4/16 and 8/16 loading with active controls, followed by all 16 frames. Seeking and advancing playback also passed. The radar still gets its smooth transitions from numerical analysis, specifically shape-preserving cubic Hermite interpolation.
  • This update is Android build 290. Apple testers remain on TestFlight build 288; the new progressive-loading correction has not been released for iPhone yet. See the dated store cards above for availability.

1.42.11 (Android 289 / iOS 288): October 30, 2026

Read updateClose update 1.42.11 (Android 289 / iOS 288): October 30, 2026
  • Close means close. The top Close Update button now explicitly closes the Weather update. Repeated activations before the screen refreshes no longer reverse that action and reopen it. This correction is included in Android 289 and iPhone 288.
  • A longer look back. Smooth Composite now honors the selected 30- or 60-minute history window when source frames are available. City dots and names, your themes and playback remain part of the view.
  • More radar, less clutter. The floating red status box is gone. Source details and retry controls remain available, with clearer NOAA MRMS attribution and improved recovery after drawing errors.
  • The radar still does its math homework. Numerical analysis, specifically shape-preserving cubic Hermite interpolation, keeps transitions smooth while limiting overshoot. Smooth rendering and city labels are staying right where you like them.
  • Please try opening and closing the Weather update from both ends, then check radar zooming and playback. An earlier iPhone crash at the widest Composite view has not been reproduced, so reports from real devices still help. See the dated store cards above for current beta availability.

1.42.11 (iOS build 284): October 29, 2026

Read updateClose update 1.42.11 (iOS build 284): October 29, 2026
  • The math club now has an iPhone chapter. Smooth Composite brings the same numerical analysis to iPhone, specifically shape-preserving cubic Hermite interpolation. It smooths transitions between radar measurements before adding color, while limiting overshoot. The source data still sets the detail limit.
  • Familiar towns, clearer context. City dots and names, your map themes and radar-history playback stay together on the main Radar screen. Smooth coverage follows the map within the supported MRMS area. Original radar remains available. Enable City labels in Map tools if you have them hidden.
  • The iPhone decoder matches the verified Android radar values exactly across five recorded test views. Native history, cache, access, transport and cancellation checks passed on the Mac builder. Please help test the appearance, close zoom, wide views, panning and playback on real iPhones.
  • Also included since the previous iPhone beta: automatic sideways scrolling for Weather charts when larger text needs room, compact Weather view icons, ZIP lookup and clearer place and coordinate controls.
  • Build 284 has been uploaded to Apple. See the dated store cards above for its verified TestFlight status. Google build 283 remains a separate Android closed-testing submission. Come for the weather. Stay for the surprisingly useful math.

1.42.11 (Android build 283): October 29, 2026

Read updateClose update 1.42.11 (Android build 283): October 29, 2026
  • Radar went to math class. Android Smooth Composite now puts numerical analysis to work, specifically, shape-preserving cubic Hermite interpolation. Fancy name, smoother radar! It draws smooth transitions between radar measurements before adding color and limits overshoot between neighboring values. The source data still sets the detail limit. Come for the weather. Stay for the surprisingly useful math.
  • Put a name to the place. Clear city dots and labels help you follow weather near familiar towns. Your map themes, warnings and radar-history playback stay with you while you pan and zoom.
  • Smooth Composite follows the visible map throughout supported national MRMS coverage. Close views use finer grid detail; wide views preserve strong echoes. Choose Smooth or Detailed, or switch to Original radar. Available history covers up to 30 minutes. iPhone and other radar products retain their existing rendering.
  • Map layers retry automatically after failures and explain the next retry. Nearby pans keep known radar in its original geographic position as fresh coverage loads; unsupported locations identify the Original radar fallback.
  • Weather charts scroll sideways automatically when larger text or a narrow screen needs more room. The four Weather views stay in one compact row and use accessible icons when labels would take too much space.
  • Location search now separates Coordinates from Address, city, or ZIP. Complete U.S. ZIP codes offer local area suggestions, and the search input stays put. Partial street suggestions filter unrelated results; adding a city or ZIP can still be necessary because provider coverage varies.
  • Android build 283 is the new closed-testing candidate. See the dated store cards above for verified submission and availability. This update does not announce a public release or bring Android numeric rendering to iPhone.

1.42.11 (iOS build 254) — October 28, 2026

Read updateClose update — 1.42.11 (iOS build 254) — October 28, 2026
  • The iOS candidate brings the radar currency fix and current NOAA lightning changes from Android build 253 to iPhone. See the separate store cards above for the latest verified availability; preparing or submitting a build does not mean it is available to install.
  • Please check whether radar looks less blocky at your usual zoom levels. Test pan and zoom, playback, pause, Current, and leaving the app and returning. Report blockiness, seams, missing tiles or stale images with your iPhone model and iOS version. Improved iPhone appearance and performance still need tester confirmation.
  • Please check that lightning data works: select Current in Radar, enable Lightning in Layers, and look for grouped markers where recent lightning is present. Tap markers for flash counts and age, and check that observations expire after five minutes. Playback and historical viewing should hide lightning; Current should resume it. An empty map alone does not prove a fault or that an area is safe.
  • Lightning processing stays on your phone. The visible map selects one or both NOAA satellite feeds, and recent decoded observations are reused. Downloads can use significant mobile data: use Wi-Fi when possible or turn Lightning off to stop new downloads. Check that the five-second notice above playback resets without stacking when toggled repeatedly.
  • The public version remains 1.42.11 during beta testing. The lightning privacy notice explains direct NOAA downloads, connection metadata, broad-region inference from satellite selection and local processing. Follow official weather warnings; these beta features are supplemental.

Read the app privacy policy.

1.42.11 (build 253) — October 28, 2026

Read updateClose update — 1.42.11 (build 253) — October 28, 2026
  • Fixed radar currency after returning to app. When the old radar timeline has fully expired, Current is selected and the newest image is prioritized.
  • Restored current NOAA lightning on Android, processed on your phone. Nearby flashes are grouped into markers; tap a marker for flash counts and age. Observations expire after five minutes.
  • Lightning uses the satellite feed needed for the visible map, or both feeds when the map spans their coverage boundary. Recent decoded observations are reused, and interrupted requests retry once.
  • Lightning can use significant mobile data. A five-second notice appears above the playback bar, with a more transparent background; repeated toggles reset the same notice. A data reminder remains in lightning details. Use Wi-Fi when possible, or turn lightning off to stop downloads.
  • The updated privacy policy explains direct downloads from NOAA’s hosting service, broad-region inference from satellite selection and local processing. Lightning pauses during playback or historical viewing and is not monitored in the background.
  • Android build 253 was submitted to Google Play closed testing. Google accepted the submission; approval and tester availability are pending confirmation. Apple remains on TestFlight build 247 and does not yet include these newer lightning and radar changes.

Read the updated privacy policy.

1.42.11 (build 247) — October 28, 2026

Read updateClose update — 1.42.11 (build 247) — October 28, 2026
  • Radar playback now reuses canvas drawing buffers and tile geometry, reducing repeated drawing work while preserving map detail, complete-frame transitions and saved-history limits.
  • Testing on the developer’s Samsung found fewer missed playback deadlines with the retained renderer. Results vary by device; iPhone, lower-memory device and battery checks remain ongoing.
  • Removed a private image-transfer experiment after phone testing showed worse playback timing. The tested canvas and frame-update improvements remain in place.
  • Includes Quick layers, the Now / 24 hours / Week / Details weather views, refreshed forecast infographics, and address-search and saved-location improvements described in earlier updates.
  • Build 247 is now available to invited iPhone testers through TestFlight. Android build 247 was submitted to Google Play alpha closed testing on October 28; quick checks are running before review, and tester availability is not yet confirmed.
  • The public version remains 1.42.11 during beta testing. These testing updates are not a public release.

1.42.11 (build 245) — October 28, 2026

Read updateClose update — 1.42.11 (build 245) — October 28, 2026
  • Android radar playback now reuses canvas drawing buffers and tile geometry, reducing repeated drawing work while preserving map detail, complete-frame transitions and saved-history limits.
  • Testing on the developer’s Samsung found fewer missed playback deadlines with the retained renderer. Results vary by device; iPhone, lower-memory device and battery checks remain ongoing.
  • Removed a private image-transfer experiment after phone testing showed worse playback timing. The tested canvas and frame-update improvements remain in place.
  • Includes Quick layers, the Now / 24 hours / Week / Details weather views, refreshed forecast infographics, and address-search and saved-location improvements described in earlier updates.
  • Android build 245 was submitted to Google Play alpha closed testing on October 28. Submission succeeded; approval and tester availability have not been verified. iOS remains on TestFlight build 233 and does not yet include the later radar renderer changes.
  • The public version remains 1.42.11 during beta testing. These testing updates are not a public release.

1.42.11 — Radar performance and cleanup — October 28, 2026

Read updateClose update — 1.42.11 — Radar performance and cleanup — October 28, 2026
  • Kept the earlier radar playback improvements, including smoother frame transitions, full image resolution and the existing radar history.
  • Tested an alternative Android image-delivery method and shelved it because it produced more missed frame deadlines without useful CPU or memory savings. Local Android build 244 restores the established delivery method and passed playback, pause, background/resume and restart checks on the developer’s Samsung.
  • Removed the unused experimental implementation from the active codebase and archived it for reference. Build 245 has been signed and submitted to Google Play alpha closed testing. Google API validation and the submission commit succeeded on October 28; approval and tester availability have not yet been verified.
  • Cleanup checks passed: 1,081 client unit tests, 85 integration tests, 90 native tests and TypeScript validation. Existing radar memory limits remain unchanged. Apple and Google tester availability remains as shown in the dated store-status cards above.

1.42.11 (build 233) — October 27, 2026

Read updateClose update — 1.42.11 (build 233) — October 27, 2026
  • Shared radar improvements: shorter crossfades, smaller frame-update messages and cleanup of pending layer listeners. Existing readiness checks, cache limits and provider pacing remain.
  • iOS: Settings, guide, details and drawers now measure safe areas within each native modal. Please test system indicators, landscape cutouts, keyboard interaction and 2× text on an iPhone.
  • Includes the latest shared weather layers, guide and weather display changes. Android build 233 has been installed on the developer’s Samsung; Windows checks and simulated layouts do not replace iPhone testing.
  • Apple and Google delivery are tracked separately in the status cards above. An uploaded or submitted candidate is not necessarily available to testers. No public app release has been made.

1.42.11 (build 228) — October 27, 2026

Read updateClose update — 1.42.11 (build 228) — October 27, 2026
  • Now available to invited iOS TestFlight testers. Open TestFlight, choose StormBeacon and tap Update to install version 1.42.11 (228).
  • Use Quick layers to change weather and outlook layers while staying on the map, with Clear all and separate Watches, Warnings, Advisories and Special weather statements controls.
  • Reopening Now, Next 24 hours and Week ahead infographics refreshes the weather preview. Adaptive layouts preserve chart selections and account for changing window sizes and safe areas.
  • Please test rotation, radar controls, widgets, sharing and the app’s 2× text setting, and send feedback through TestFlight or StormBeacon.
  • This update brings the latest shared changes to the iOS beta. Android build 227 remains the submitted Android candidate; no public App Store release has been made.

1.42.11 (build 227) — October 27, 2026

Read updateClose update — 1.42.11 (build 227) — October 27, 2026
  • Open Quick layers from the stacked-layers icon to choose the current weather and outlook layers in a translucent menu while staying on the map.
  • Use the sliders icon or Detailed · Easy / Advanced link for the full layer descriptions, presets and adjustments. Both menus share the same selections.
  • The centered Clear all pill turns off weather layers and playback while keeping the quick menu open. Saved products, map appearance and cached data remain available.
  • Watches & warnings opens a mini menu for Watches, Warnings, Advisories and Special weather statements, with All and Off shortcuts. These map filters do not change notification settings.
  • Layouts support landscape and enlarged text. Android build 227 has been submitted to the closed testing track; this does not mean review approval or a public release. The matching iOS source is ready for a future build.

1.42.11 (build 224) — October 27, 2026

Read updateClose update — 1.42.11 (build 224) — October 27, 2026
  • Refresh weather before reopening Now, Next 24 hours and Week ahead infographics. Refresh the preview when graph data changes, even if the share text stays the same.

1.42.11 (build 223) — October 27, 2026

Read updateClose update — 1.42.11 (build 223) — October 27, 2026
  • Adapt shared Android/iOS navigation to changing app-window sizes, including folding and Split View. Preserve graph selections during resizing and respect asymmetric safe areas in radar drawers.

1.42.11 (build 222) — October 27, 2026

Read updateClose update — 1.42.11 (build 222) — October 27, 2026
  • Include the observation station distance in the Now infographic, matching the current-conditions display in miles or kilometers.

1.42.11 (build 221) — October 26, 2026

Read updateClose update — 1.42.11 (build 221) — October 26, 2026
  • Refresh the compact Now infographic with a shaded temperature panel, a matching day/night weather symbol when available, and grouped feels-like, humidity and wind cards.

1.42.11 (build 220) — October 26, 2026

Read updateClose update — 1.42.11 (build 220) — October 26, 2026
  • Keep the leading partial three-hour forecast slot when coverage begins between slot boundaries, including the last hours of a day. Preserve actual reading times and the remaining week in both three-hour views.

1.42.11 (build 219) — October 26, 2026

Read updateClose update — 1.42.11 (build 219) — October 26, 2026
  • Improve temporary forecast and alert image creation while retaining PNG validation, private cache storage, bounded retention and image-only forecast sharing.

1.42.11 (build 218) — October 26, 2026

Read updateClose update — 1.42.11 (build 218) — October 26, 2026
  • Make the Development news update button more compact and keep it beside the wrapping summary at enlarged text sizes.

1.42.11 (build 217) — October 26, 2026

Read updateClose update — 1.42.11 (build 217) — October 26, 2026
  • Give Development news a rounded Read update / Close update button. The button controls the notes, with matching styling for Close update at the bottom.

1.42.11 (build 216) — October 26, 2026

Read updateClose update — 1.42.11 (build 216) — October 26, 2026
  • Save a location for later without making it active. The new Save location (do not set as active) option keeps your current weather and alert location unchanged.
  • Save your first location without activating it, then choose Use when you are ready. Existing naming, duplicate and saved-location limits still apply.

1.42.11 (build 215) — October 26, 2026

Read updateClose update — 1.42.11 (build 215) — October 26, 2026
  • Remove the decorative colored side strip from current conditions, Next 24 hours and Week ahead infographics.

1.42.11 (build 214) — October 26, 2026

Read updateClose update — 1.42.11 (build 214) — October 26, 2026
  • Generate, preview, copy and share a Next 24 hours infographic directly from the hourly forecast. Image sharing includes no accompanying forecast text.
  • Show weather symbols and shaded temperature and rain-chance curves, with the location, forecast times and source.

1.42.11 (build 213) — October 26, 2026

Read updateClose update — 1.42.11 (build 213) — October 26, 2026
  • Switch between four focused Weather views: Now, 24 hours, Week and Details. The main Weather, Radar, Alerts and Locations tabs keep their existing order.
  • Keep tap-and-drag chart readouts and nearby forecast sharing. Day and night details expand inline, while widgets and guide links open the matching view.
  • Support enlarged text with wrapping view buttons and place the full 24-hour graph above its controls. Android and iOS use the same layouts.

Weather and location improvements — builds 201–212 · October 25–26, 2026

Read updateClose update — Weather and location improvements — builds 201–212 · October 25–26, 2026
  • Explore forecasts in three-hour slices with weather symbols, temperatures and rain chances. Daily summaries show shaded temperature and rain-chance curves with high and overnight-low temperatures.
  • Keep all 24 hours visible in one graph, with floating readouts when tapping or dragging. Daily outlook uses similar readouts, and day/night details open inline.
  • Improve layouts for text sizes up to 2.00×, place Clear selection beside Show selected hour, and make selections easier to dismiss.
  • Share current conditions and the week ahead as compact infographics. Improve spacing between days in shared forecast text and fix Android text copying while preserving clipboard safeguards.
  • Streamline radar playback controls and keep details within the map so navigation remains accessible. Overlapping saved-location pins open a compact chooser; tapping outside cancels without switching location.
  • Open location search in Street address mode, preserve entered text when switching categories, and provide Edit search before saving.
  • Automatically check recognizable full addresses after a brief typing pause on Android and iOS. Explain provider sharing, prioritize house-number matches, ignore outdated responses and retain manual lookup.
  • Add iOS 17+ weather and radar widgets using saved forecast and radar data, with per-widget location and appearance choices. Background refresh timing is controlled by iOS.

1.41.6 (build 200) — October 24, 2026

Read updateClose update — 1.41.6 (build 200) — October 24, 2026
  • Prevent saved-location names from becoming stranded over the radar after switching markers and panning; a closed label is no longer reattached by its fade timer.
  • Retry one interrupted U.S. Census address lookup automatically, and explain specific connection, timeout, security, or request-limit failures instead of showing one generic message.
  • Retain ARM64, 32-bit ARM and x86_64 support.

1.41.5 (build 199) — October 24, 2026

Read updateClose update — 1.41.5 (build 199) — October 24, 2026
  • Restore x86_64 support alongside ARM64 and 32-bit ARM in production Android releases, so compatible devices can receive current features instead of the older build 183 fallback.
  • Retain build 198’s location-search improvements and saved-location behavior.

1.41.4 (build 198) — October 23, 2026

Read updateClose update — 1.41.4 (build 198) — October 23, 2026
  • Start without a selected location instead of Excelsior Springs. Remove the city-specific welcome shortcut, keep saved locations, and use a broad U.S. map view until a location is chosen.
  • Improve city suggestions with exact-name priority, word-prefix matching, full state names and St./Ft. abbreviations. Let an explicitly entered address state or ZIP take precedence over the current location bias.
  • Filter unrelated streets, cities and non-address bus stops from address suggestions, including city qualifiers entered without a state. Explain full-address and map-pin alternatives when no matching suggestion is available.

1.41.3 (build 197) — October 23, 2026

Read updateClose update — 1.41.3 (build 197) — October 23, 2026
  • Allow map background brightness down to 0% while keeping weather-layer colors unchanged, including saved preferences and settings backups.
  • Fix drag inspection on Weather graphs, add it to the daily outlook, and separate enlarged-chart scrolling from value selection without requiring a long press. Keep vertical page scrolling and 2× text support.
  • Update the in-app and website guide instructions for graph inspection and scrolling.

1.41.2 (build 196) — October 23, 2026

Read updateClose update — 1.41.2 (build 196) — October 23, 2026
  • Replace chapter-wide guide shortcuts with named links beside each step and layer description, including separate links for mixed topics such as units, map appearance, outlooks and backups.
  • Open the relevant settings section, forecast, saved-location area, office feed or radar control directly. Preserve shared Android/iOS behavior and enlarged-text support.
  • Clarify that the optional FreeLightning layer is excluded, and add subtopic links to the website guide.

1.41.1 (build 195) — October 23, 2026

Read updateClose update — 1.41.1 (build 195) — October 23, 2026
  • Add dates to the Week ahead list, forecast details and Daily outlook graph using the forecast location's calendar dates. Retain enlarged-text support and sideways graph scrolling.
  • Add a searchable how-to guide with real screenshots, direct links to app controls, and optional step-by-step help for saving an address. Share the instructions with the website guide and support enlarged text.
  • Group common Settings into Easy, keep all options in Advanced, and search across both views. Remember the selected view.
  • Adjust the map background brightness in real time from the sun button, preserving weather-layer colors and the saved brightness preference.
  • Allow horizontal finger scrubbing on the hourly forecast graph; enlarged charts keep sideways scrolling and support hold-then-slide inspection. Rename the settings group to Display, Units, & Themes and the map choices to Aerial and County.
  • Rename Today to Weather. Keep street addresses out of its current-conditions card and collapsed location header: show a saved nickname or a broad nearby city instead, while retaining the full details in Locations.

1.40.8 (build 193) — October 23, 2026

Read updateClose update — 1.40.8 (build 193) — October 23, 2026
  • Replace the remaining drawn plus/minus indicators in Settings and Radar layer groups with up/down chevrons.

1.40.7 (build 192) — October 23, 2026

Read updateClose update — 1.40.7 (build 192) — October 23, 2026
  • Keep app Settings reachable from Radar with a compact gear button beside the map controls, matching access from the other main tabs.
  • Open saved locations directly from the top-left location control, with names and full addresses. Use up/down chevrons for expanding and collapsing the location list, Appearance and Development news.
  • Keep the location search field visible when Street address is selected or the keyboard opens, including when editing a saved location.

1.40.6 (build 191) — October 23, 2026

Read updateClose update — 1.40.6 (build 191) — October 23, 2026
  • Make location search and saving a clear two-step flow: choose a city or street address, then check the full location, add a name and save. Keep the save action above search on first setup, and retain the draft if saving fails.

1.40.5 (build 190) — October 23, 2026

Read updateClose update — 1.40.5 (build 190) — October 23, 2026
  • Default Keep radar fresh while away to On for new settings while preserving saved On/Off choices and Auto Wi-Fi rules. Clarify the per-session download budget separately from cache storage, and show the notification-permission action when Android background radar is paused.

1.40.4 (build 189) — October 23, 2026

Read updateClose update — 1.40.4 (build 189) — October 23, 2026
  • Fix Android Back navigation without a selected location: return to Locations, then allow the normal two-press exit instead of repeatedly redirecting from Today.

1.40.3 (build 188) — October 23, 2026

Read updateClose update — 1.40.3 (build 188) — October 23, 2026
  • Recheck an unexpectedly empty warning-map response once immediately, respecting provider cooldowns and retaining unexpired outlines until a newer response confirms removal.
  • Preserve Android's background-task loader in optimized releases so background weather work can start after an app update or cold start.
  • Recreate a reclaimed radar-cache directory on Android and iOS without restarting the app; preserve existing cache retention rules.

1.40.2 (build 187) — October 23, 2026

Read updateClose update — 1.40.2 (build 187) — October 23, 2026
  • Find saved-location marker controls in Easy radar mode, Advanced, Map tools and Settings.
  • Names disappear after three seconds, with an option to keep them visible. Tap a marker to show its name again.
  • Place markers below weather layers and choose 0%, 25%, 50% or 75% transparency. A tap briefly brings the pin and name above the weather, then restores your chosen layer order.
  • Radar and Locations remain available without a selected location. Today and Alerts show a brief explanation until you choose a location.

1.40.1 (build 186) — October 23, 2026

Read updateClose update — 1.40.1 (build 186) — October 23, 2026
  • Keep Easy layer controls open after choosing a weather preset.
  • Watches & warnings toggles preserve the active weather view and its highlighted selection.

1.40.0 (build 185) — October 23, 2026

Read updateClose update — 1.40.0 (build 185) — October 23, 2026
  • Add Winter impacts (WPC Days 1–3, lower 48) and the U.S. Drought Monitor, with report dates, color legends, opacity controls and All overlays off support. Drought coverage includes Alaska and Hawaii.
  • Add Winter weather and Drought to Easy map selections and move the Watches & warnings switch to the top of Easy controls.
  • Add separate Copy graphic and Copy discussion text buttons to SPC mesoscale discussion details. Copied text includes the official source link and marks expired discussions; the graphic preview and copy action share the same validated image.

1.39.6 (build 184) — October 22, 2026

Read updateClose update — 1.39.6 (build 184) — October 22, 2026
  • Clarify voluntary support wording and remove future subscription and referral descriptions from the support screen.
  • Update the in-app privacy notice to match the published 13+ access rules and clarify email-provider handling.

1.39.5 (build 183) — October 22, 2026

Read updateClose update — 1.39.5 (build 183) — October 22, 2026
  • Enable Android release code and resource optimization while retaining notification and widget resources.
  • Require a live app transition before starting background radar downloads; preserve queued starts during activity recreation to avoid Android's foreground-service timeout.
  • Update the Android Material library for modern system-bar handling. React Native's remaining compatibility calls still require a Google Play rescan/upstream follow-up.
  • Add Block this source / Unblock this source to Office weather updates. The preference stays on the device and leaves official NWS alerts available.
  • Add Report this post with a preview of the public post reference and an email draft the user can review and send. Saved places and diagnostics are not attached.
  • Complete additional iOS privacy configuration, native regression preparation and offline archive checks. Native iPhone acceptance is still pending.
  • Fix an iOS build failure in radar duration parsing while preserving frame timing and cache behavior.
  • Fix an iOS startup crash when local data-use totals are pruned, preserving retention and collection settings.

1.39.4 (build 182) — October 21, 2026

Read updateClose update — 1.39.4 (build 182) — October 21, 2026
  • Use the Sonny & Robo brand in the age-screen privacy summary. The full privacy notice continues to identify the responsible publisher.

1.39.3 (build 181) — October 21, 2026

Read updateClose update — 1.39.3 (build 181) — October 21, 2026
  • Set the intended audience to teens and adults, ages 13 and older. Under-13 and unanswered age choices now show an offline notice instead of the earlier city-weather mode. Existing restricted profiles remain protected across Android, iOS and browser.
  • Make privacy information available before setup, preserve stored access restrictions during storage failures, and retain the normal app's saved places, settings and weather caches.
  • Clarify feedback retention, mailbox handling and provider-controlled logs and backups in the shared privacy notice. Harden feedback expiry, error handling and server recovery controls.

1.39.2 (build 180) — October 21, 2026

Read updateClose update — 1.39.2 (build 180) — October 21, 2026
  • Label the welcome and City weather text controls “Use larger text size” and “Use normal text size” so their purpose is clear.

1.39.1 (build 179) — October 21, 2026

Read updateClose update — 1.39.1 (build 179) — October 21, 2026
  • Simplify the age-safety check to three choices: Under 13, 13 or older, and Prefer not to answer. No exact age or birthday is requested.
  • Explain that the choice stays on the device and is never sent to the developer. Keep the protected City weather view for under-13 users and anyone who chooses not to answer, with the same safeguards on Android, iOS and the browser.

1.39.0 (build 178) — October 21, 2026

Read updateClose update — 1.39.0 (build 178) — October 21, 2026
  • Add a local age screen before the app opens saved locations or starts weather requests. Keep only a privacy category; discard the entered age without saving or transmitting it.
  • Give younger users and users who skip the age question a city-based weather view with current conditions, hourly and daily forecasts, and expandable official NWS alerts. City searches stay on-device; this view does not use GPS, addresses, feedback uploads, social feeds, payment links or background widgets.
  • Apply the restrictions to native background work, widget setup and diagnostic sharing as well as the visible screens. Keep the full app and existing saved data available for older users across Android, iOS and browser layouts, including 2× text.
  • Prepare these safeguards for testing. Store Families and privacy certification remains subject to the final provider and disclosure review.

1.38.1 (build 177) — October 20, 2026

Read updateClose update — 1.38.1 (build 177) — October 20, 2026
  • Open local office posts and attached graphics directly from the Alerts tab with Office weather updates, even when there are no active alerts. Use the selected alert location's NWS office and keep unofficial feeds clearly labeled.
  • Reuse the forecast's cached office lookup and existing feed cache. Load posts when the page opens, with retry and unavailable-coverage messages, across Android, iOS and browser layouts including 2× text.

1.38.0 (build 176) — October 20, 2026

Read updateClose update — 1.38.0 (build 176) — October 20, 2026
  • Add optional office weather updates from reviewed Bluesky bots for all 122 NWS forecast offices and the St. Louis Mastodon bot. Keep unofficial posts and attachments visibly separate from authoritative NWS alerts and government graphics.
  • Route each alert to its issuing office, including Alaska, Hawaii, Guam and Puerto Rico. Show unavailable supplemental coverage explicitly, including the separate Pago Pago office.
  • Load posts and images only on request, reuse the bounded weather-provider cache, and limit pagination. Preserve source links, dates and image descriptions; distinguish attached images from link thumbnails.
  • Use free direct NOAA/NWS sources for alert graphics, with no social-media lookup or paid API dependency in the preview flow.
  • Offer verified SPC tornado and severe thunderstorm watch maps as separate, unchanged images with Copy/Share actions. Reuse the downloaded map without a second download or decode, and check the active watch before export.
  • Keep StormBeacon warning infographics with official NWS boundaries, times and published hazards. Clearly explain when no matching official image is available from the direct sources.

1.37.11 (build 175) — October 20, 2026

Read updateClose update — 1.37.11 (build 175) — October 20, 2026
  • Exclude optional Philippines forecast/radar and FreeLightning from the launch release while provider access is arranged. Saved locations remain intact.
  • Prevent older settings, restored backups and widget requests from re-enabling excluded providers. Update the in-app privacy notice.

1.37.10 (build 174) — October 18, 2026

Read updateClose update — 1.37.10 (build 174) — October 18, 2026
  • Shorten widget size guidance to plain grid numbers such as 2 × 2 and 4 × 4. Remove “cells” from gear settings, widget picker descriptions and the in-app guide.

1.37.9 (build 173) — October 18, 2026

Read updateClose update — 1.37.9 (build 173) — October 18, 2026
  • Show suggested widget sizes as home-screen grid cells in every Android gear settings size guide, with compact or wide options where useful.
  • Update the widget picker descriptions and in-app widget guide to use grid cells too. Explain that exact resize limits depend on the launcher or lock-screen host.

1.37.8 (build 172) — October 18, 2026

Read updateClose update — 1.37.8 (build 172) — October 18, 2026
  • Put a highlighted size guide directly beneath the title of every Android widget gear settings screen. Show each design's recommended and minimum dimensions, plus brief resizing advice.
  • Use the widget providers' actual resize limits for mini and lock-screen designs. Remove the repeated size details from the lower settings text.

1.37.7 (build 171) — October 18, 2026

Read updateClose update — 1.37.7 (build 171) — October 18, 2026
  • Center the location within the visible full-size radar map by giving its top and bottom controls equal height. Keep the scan time, transient loading details and map attribution in the compact bottom bar.
  • Show an approximate one-minute loading time when Play starts a radar loop, including a shorter message that fits the mini widget.

1.37.6 (build 170) — October 18, 2026

Read updateClose update — 1.37.6 (build 170) — October 18, 2026
  • Load a radar widget's street-map tiles in a small parallel group so a new zoom does not wait for each tile in turn. Retain a cached map tile if its refresh fails.
  • Show an approximate first-load time on larger radar widgets and explain when a resized widget is displaying a fitted saved scan until refresh.
  • Give every Android widget's settings screen its specific name. Make the larger forecast layouts more compact and hide routine status text on the full-size radar widget.

1.37.5 (build 169) — October 17, 2026

Read updateClose update — 1.37.5 (build 169) — October 17, 2026
  • Restore all four navigation tabs immediately when changing from large text back to normal text, without restarting the app.
  • Preserve the two-row 2× layout, landscape controls and existing weather features.

1.37.4 (build 168) — October 17, 2026

Read updateClose update — 1.37.4 (build 168) — October 17, 2026
  • Prepare store builds with consistent feedback and reporting settings across local and cloud builds.
  • Use dedicated opaque iOS icon artwork while preserving Android's adaptive icon.
  • Include the recent 2× text and landscape radar layout improvements, with existing weather features and cache retention unchanged.

1.37.3 (build 167) — October 17, 2026

Read updateClose update — 1.37.3 (build 167) — October 17, 2026
  • Keep navigation labels readable at 2× text with two compact rows in portrait, instead of splitting words across narrow tabs.
  • Keep radar playback controls above the map credits and distance scale in both orientations. Credits wrap alongside the scale, and the shelf adapts to their actual height as map layers change.
  • Apply the layout fixes to the shared Android, iOS and browser views without changing radar features, saved places or cache retention.

1.37.2 (build 166) — October 17, 2026

Read updateClose update — 1.37.2 (build 166) — October 17, 2026
  • Link Privacy & permissions to the published StormBeacon privacy policy, with Brian Schwartz as the individual publisher and Sonny & Robo as the brand.
  • Clarify feedback cleanup, hosting backups, provider retention and the current status of optional error reporting in the offline privacy notice.
  • Keep weather features, saved places, cache retention and the separate public/testing editions unchanged.

1.37.1 (build 165) — October 17, 2026

Read updateClose update — 1.37.1 (build 165) — October 17, 2026
  • Update the in-app privacy notice to explain provider requests, radar widgets, optional feedback, image sharing, encrypted backups and local data retention more clearly.
  • Correct unused iOS permission descriptions and document elapsed-time API use in the native privacy configuration.
  • Preserve normal weather features, saved data and the separate public/testing build identities. The public website policy and store submission remain in preparation.

1.37.0 (build 164) — October 17, 2026

Read updateClose update — 1.37.0 (build 164) — October 17, 2026
  • Separate internal notification checks, report tests, cache comparisons and stress workloads from the public app. Testing builds use their own app identity and storage on Android and iOS.
  • Remove test-only modules and the Android stress service from public builds while retaining crash recovery, optional support reports, local App data totals and normal weather features.
  • Pin release build settings so private diagnostic flags cannot accidentally carry over from a development session.

1.36.16 (build 163) — October 16, 2026

Read updateClose update — 1.36.16 (build 163) — October 16, 2026
  • Refresh enabled watches and warnings when the app resumes, and reconcile their map layers so hazards return without force-closing or resetting the map.

1.36.15 (build 162) — October 16, 2026

Read updateClose update — 1.36.15 (build 162) — October 16, 2026
  • Reduce radar playback bookkeeping when satellite, temperature or outlook imagery is enabled, while keeping all cached history and nearby-zoom preparation.
  • Share wind and temperature catalog parsing, and update mobile playback controls without rebuilding the surrounding radar screen on every observation.
  • Keep native cache reads responsive during writes, with bounded background I/O and safeguards against restoring cleared or cancelled work.
  • Give radar widgets the same native cache improvements and reuse tile positions while preparing their loops, preserving saved scans, refresh behavior and transparency.
  • Streamline native tile message delivery and release outgoing decoded frames if an animation completion event is missed. Preserve image quality, transparency, existing cache limits and retention.

1.36.14 · build 161 · October 16 — Stronger request and map checks

Read updateClose update — 1.36.14 · build 161 · October 16 — Stronger request and map checks
  • Verify shared API alert details against provider data before caching them. Bound cache memory and concurrent requests, and stop oversized map and radar responses during download.
  • Restrict browser map messages to the owning page and validate incoming events while preserving the native map bridge.

1.36.10–1.36.13 · builds 157–160 · October 16 — Steadier radar and previews

Read updateClose update — 1.36.10–1.36.13 · builds 157–160 · October 16 — Steadier radar and previews
  • Keep active alert outlines through a brief empty response while confirming the update. Advance one frame when a new scan arrives while the oldest scan is selected.
  • Keep watches, frost and freeze areas beneath radar, with tornado and severe thunderstorm warning outlines above it. Manual refresh gives clearer progress and results.
  • Keep infographic previews open during routine updates. If the warning changes, explain the change and require a fresh preview before copying or sharing.

1.36.4–1.36.9 · builds 151–156 · October 16 — More complete alert details

Read updateClose update — 1.36.4–1.36.9 · builds 151–156 · October 16 — More complete alert details
  • Use official NWS polygons and complete affected-zone boundaries while the slower map feed catches up. Show when an alert boundary is still pending.
  • Retry alert details and infographic maps automatically through brief provider rate limits, with bounded waits and cancellation.
  • Generated graphics include the published WHAT, WHEN and IMPACTS sections, including frost temperatures and validity windows. Regional warning maps retain their complete official footprint.

1.36.2–1.36.3 · builds 149–150 · October 16 — Less repeated work

Read updateClose update — 1.36.2–1.36.3 · builds 149–150 · October 16 — Less repeated work
  • Browser playback updates the map and controls without redrawing the surrounding dashboard. Hidden tabs pause playback and polling, then check for fresh data on return.
  • Reuse saved frames and unchanged outlook tiles. Check CPC publication metadata while visible and clearly report unavailable or expired data.
  • Layers remembers its expanded group and scroll position. Map controls stay clear of legends and adapt to enlarged text.

1.35.6–1.36.1 · builds 142–147 · October 15 — Layers within reach

Read updateClose update — 1.35.6–1.36.1 · builds 142–147 · October 15 — Layers within reach
  • Open Layers from the map’s top-right corner in a full-height side drawer. Composite and Reflectivity are an either/or choice; independent overlays keep their own controls.
  • Choose watches, warnings, advisories and Special Weather Statements separately. All overlays off clears the weather layers and leaves the base map.
  • Temperature shading and CPC outlooks have clearly named groups and on-map legends.

1.35.0–1.35.5 · builds 136–141 · October 15 — A smaller radar shelf

Read updateClose update — 1.35.0–1.35.5 · builds 136–141 · October 15 — A smaller radar shelf
  • Play, scrub and return to Current directly on the map. Compact controls leave more map visible in portrait and landscape, with readable layouts at 2× text size.
  • Composite is the default for the lower 48. Add NOAA temperature shading and CPC 6–10 or 8–14 day temperature and precipitation outlooks.
  • Scan time, age and a short cached-frame count stay visible; playback options retain history, speed, download and source details.

1.34.0–1.34.1 · builds 134–135 · October 15 — Clearer alert notifications

Read updateClose update — 1.34.0–1.34.1 · builds 134–135 · October 15 — Clearer alert notifications
  • Expand Android weather-alert notifications to read NWS descriptions and safety instructions, including updates about watch expiration. Notifications expire at the published alert expiration time.
  • The app uses online base maps and retains its existing radar cache. The experimental nationwide offline map pack was removed.

1.33.0–1.33.4 · builds 129–133 · October 13 — Two useful infographic choices

Read updateClose update — 1.33.0–1.33.4 · builds 129–133 · October 13 — Two useful infographic choices
  • Earlier builds prepared StormBeacon graphics alongside matching NWS social images. Current builds use direct government-hosted images where available; see build 176 above.
  • The earlier social-image and server-backup lookup has been replaced. Generated infographics remain available when no matching government image can be retrieved.
  • Include published wind, hail, tornado and damage-threat details. Clearly label verified earlier NWS graphics, including in copied and shared images.

1.32.4–1.32.5 · builds 125–126 · October 13 — Reliable graphic previews

Read updateClose update — 1.32.4–1.32.5 · builds 125–126 · October 13 — Reliable graphic previews
  • Prepare official watch and outlook images as bounded static PNGs before preview and export. Keep Share and Copy working when reopening an already downloaded graphic.

1.32.3 · build 124 · October 13 — Watch maps and primary threats

Read updateClose update — 1.32.3 · build 124 · October 13 — Watch maps and primary threats
  • Severe thunderstorm and tornado watch infographics can include SPC’s official county map and published primary threats. Watch identity and validity must match before a graphic is used.
  • Text sharing and image copying remain available. If a matching SPC graphic cannot load, StormBeacon uses its existing alert map.

1.32.1–1.32.2 · builds 122–123 · October 13 — Faster radar and reliable discussion details

Read updateClose update — 1.32.1–1.32.2 · builds 122–123 · October 13 — Faster radar and reliable discussion details
  • Radar playback reuses unchanged tile and readiness information instead of preparing it repeatedly. Native image conversion and frame transitions do less work, and wind animation sleeps between draws.
  • Mesoscale discussions use the official SPC feed when the map service falls behind. Tapping discussion and outlook labels opens their details correctly.

1.32.0 · build 121 · October 13 — Meet the Map dock

Read updateClose update — 1.32.0 · build 121 · October 13 — Meet the Map dock
  • Playback, scan age, cache progress, Views, Layers and Map tools move into one compact dock. Panels keep the map in place, retain every radar feature, and adapt to enlarged text.
  • All overlays off clears the visible weather layers in one tap. Cache time estimates remain steadier when a newer radar frame arrives.
  • An optional contribution note opens the in-app Donate page.

1.31.0 · build 120 · October 13 — A map with fewer distractions

Read updateClose update — 1.31.0 · build 120 · October 13 — A map with fewer distractions
  • Choose Boundaries for prominent state outlines and finer county lines on a plain map. Light, Dark and Follow app theme are available, with optional city labels.
  • Coverage includes Alaska and Hawaii. Existing weather layers and saved radar frames remain available.

1.30.5 · build 119 · October 13 — Quicker cache access

Read updateClose update — 1.30.5 · build 119 · October 13 — Quicker cache access
  • Small priority queues reduce repeated cache searches while preserving visible-frame priority and reuse of recently visited areas.
  • Android workers can read saved radar files concurrently. iOS updates cache usage order without searching the full list. Existing retention and size limits remain in place.

1.30.3–1.30.4 · builds 117–118 · October 12 — Easy views and steadier warning updates

Read updateClose update — 1.30.3–1.30.4 · builds 117–118 · October 12 — Easy views and steadier warning updates
  • Easy mode offers Storms, Clouds and Wind presets. Advanced mode keeps individual products, outlooks, filters and display controls.
  • New warnings appear without waiting for slower outlook layers. Interrupted downloads receive a bounded retry, and failed refreshes keep saved, unexpired outlines visible with a clear status.
  • Refresh checks warning data independently of the latest radar image.

1.30.0–1.30.2 · builds 114–116 · October 11 — Wind in motion

Read updateClose update — 1.30.0–1.30.2 · builds 114–116 · October 11 — Wind in motion
  • Animated wind trails follow NOAA forecast speed and direction in the lower 48, Alaska and the Aleutians. They pause while the map moves and use less drawing work on slower devices.
  • Turn precipitation radar off while keeping wind, satellite or warnings visible. Wind and radar each show their own data time.
  • Widget backgrounds now use Transparency: 0% solid, 100% transparent. Text, controls and weather data stay visible.

1.29.0–1.29.1 · builds 112–113 · October 11 — Wind, fronts and pressure

Read updateClose update — 1.29.0–1.29.1 · builds 112–113 · October 11 — Wind, fronts and pressure
  • Add surface wind or gust shading with adjustable transparency, direction symbols and NOAA legends, including Alaska.
  • Show NOAA/WPC fronts and high/low pressure centers with their analysis time. Separate controls let you choose the context you need.

1.28.1 · build 111 · October 11 — Smoother busy warning maps

Read updateClose update — 1.28.1 · build 111 · October 11 — Smoother busy warning maps
  • Reuse unchanged warning shapes and redraw only what changed. Nearby-area checks make warning taps cheaper while preserving help for narrow warning polygons.
  • Release display resources when tiles leave the view while keeping downloaded radar bytes available for playback and revisiting an area.

1.28.0 · build 110 · October 11 — Visible and infrared satellite

Read updateClose update — 1.28.0 · build 110 · October 11 — Visible and infrared satellite
  • Choose NOAA visible imagery in daylight or infrared imagery day and night. Satellite retains its own scan time while radar plays.
  • Automatic coverage includes Alaska through the global mosaic, with its slower delivery clearly labeled.

1.27.0 · build 109 · October 10 — More useful SPC details

Read updateClose update — 1.27.0 · build 109 · October 10 — More useful SPC details
  • Move SPC labels away from busy contours while a line points back to the area. Open outlook discussion text and matching official maps for sharing.
  • City labels, hazard filters and overlay appearance controls bring the phone radar closer to the browser experience.

1.26.0 · build 108 · October 9 — Outlooks, organized

Read updateClose update — 1.26.0 · build 108 · October 9 — Outlooks, organized
  • Choose separate Categorical, Tornado, Hail and Wind layers for SPC Days 1 and 2. Day 3 and Days 4–8 stay independently selectable.
  • Searchable layer groups and a fixed Close button make controls easier to find.

1.25.0 · build 107 · October 9 — More SPC outlooks

Read updateClose update — 1.25.0 · build 107 · October 9 — More SPC outlooks
  • Day 1–3 categorical risks and a separate Day 3 severe-weather probability layer join the individually selectable Day 4–8 outlooks.
  • Relevant legends, issue times and validity help distinguish severe-weather risk from rain chance.

1.24.0 · build 106 · October 8 — Send feedback from the app

Read updateClose update — 1.24.0 · build 106 · October 8 — Send feedback from the app
  • Android testers can send feedback without an email app. Review the message, choose whether to include diagnostics or a reply address, and keep a receipt reference.
  • Failed sends preserve the draft. Reports are sent only when you choose; email, sharing and copy options remain available.

1.23.0–1.23.1 · builds 104–105 · October 8 — Mini radar and useful shortcuts

Read updateClose update — 1.23.0–1.23.1 · builds 104–105 · October 8 — Mini radar and useful shortcuts
  • Add a compact Android radar widget with its own location, zoom, product, map theme and opacity. Play recent radar inside the widget.
  • Tapping a widget opens the matching forecast section or radar view. Settings now gives feedback and bug reports a prominent shortcut.

1.22.2–1.22.6 · builds 99–103 · October 8 — Clearer current conditions

Read updateClose update — 1.22.2–1.22.6 · builds 99–103 · October 8 — Clearer current conditions
  • Refresh current conditions independently of the daily forecast. Repeated taps share the same check and keep the last reading visible.
  • Compare nearby observation stations, show the source, age and distance, and include nearby stations missing from the NWS point list.
  • Keep the current-weather background and refresh messages steady while data changes.

1.22.0–1.22.1 · builds 97–98 · October 8 — Settings that are easier to navigate

Read updateClose update — 1.22.0–1.22.1 · builds 97–98 · October 8 — Settings that are easier to navigate
  • Eight expandable groups, current-setting summaries and offline search replace a long list of controls. Distinct group headers make nested options easier to recognize.
  • Close and All groups stay available while scrolling. Closed groups do not render their controls.

1.21.2–1.21.3 · builds 95–96 · October 8 — Explore the next 24 hours

Read updateClose update — 1.21.2–1.21.3 · builds 95–96 · October 8 — Explore the next 24 hours
  • Tap an hourly point for its exact temperature and rain/snow chance, then open Show selected hour for the complete forecast.
  • Clear a selection with another tap, by tapping outside the graph, or with Clear selection. Enlarged text moves details below the chart so axis labels remain readable.

1.21.1 · build 94 · October 7 — Less work, smoother interaction

Read updateClose update — 1.21.1 · build 94 · October 7 — Less work, smoother interaction
  • Reuse unchanged weather snapshots, date formatters and radar inputs. Keep recently visited areas in the session cache while moving large cached provider responses out of working memory.
  • Prepare Android forecast-widget images and encrypted-backup keys on bounded native workers. Keep the previous widget image visible while its replacement is prepared.
  • Saved forecasts and radar retention remain in place, including reuse after reopening the app.

1.20.0–1.21.0 · builds 91–93 · October 7 — More ways to check the weather

Read updateClose update — 1.20.0–1.21.0 · builds 91–93 · October 7 — More ways to check the weather
  • Choose an Android weather notification or a compact status-bar temperature, with a manual refresh action. Both reuse saved weather and the same background schedule.
  • Compact Current conditions and Next 24 hours widgets support compatible lock-screen hosts as well as the home screen. Lock-screen support depends on the device and launcher.
  • Keep saved conditions during quick repeated refreshes, and improve returning to Forecast from the notification while Radar is open.

1.19.1–1.19.2 · builds 89–90 · October 6 — Steadier maps and alert sharing

Read updateClose update — 1.19.1–1.19.2 · builds 89–90 · October 6 — Steadier maps and alert sharing
  • Keep map position steady during quick consecutive drags and zooms.
  • Preserve alert taps while neighboring hazard areas load, and retain reference boundaries in marine-alert infographics.

1.19.0 · build 88 · October 6 — Forecast fallback, mini widgets and local metrics

Read updateClose update — 1.19.0 · build 88 · October 6 — Forecast fallback, mini widgets and local metrics
  • Use the official NWS NDFD service when the main forecast API is unavailable, with a clear alternate-source label. Keep saved forecasts if both services fail.
  • Choose compact temperature, hourly, daily and rain widgets for small squares or wide strips.
  • Review lightweight app-data totals on the device, choose a short retention period, and share a report only when you want to.

1.18.4–1.18.5 · builds 86–87 · October 5 — Faster radar preparation

Read updateClose update — 1.18.4–1.18.5 · builds 86–87 · October 5 — Faster radar preparation
  • Track unfinished tiles instead of repeatedly scanning completed work. Skip full cache-expiry checks until they are needed, and share simultaneous Android requests for the same radar tile.
  • Keep cached playback, recent-area reuse, visible-tile priority and cancellation. These improvements reduce repeated processing and duplicate transfers; they are not a promise of faster weather-provider responses.
  • Add radar-widget setup previews and per-widget map themes. Preserve the previous preview during repeated loads, and make small warning areas easier to tap.

1.18.0–1.18.3 · builds 82–85 · October 4 — Radar widgets and clearer permissions

Read updateClose update — 1.18.0–1.18.3 · builds 82–85 · October 4 — Radar widgets and clearer permissions
  • Resizable Android radar widgets support Reflectivity or Composite, a chosen zoom and location, map opacity, latest-scan display and bounded in-widget playback.
  • Move radar-widget file and image work to a native worker, reuse parsed catalogs, and avoid repeated notification and cache work.
  • Explain optional permissions on first launch and in Settings. Copy alert infographics through the Android clipboard, with tighter image and incoming-link limits.

1.17.2 · build 81 · October 4 — Smoother radar and widget updates

Read updateClose update — 1.17.2 · build 81 · October 4 — Smoother radar and widget updates
  • Pause history planning during map gestures, reuse matching tile plans, and update only changed hazard layers.
  • Combine widget updates and redraw only when the data or appearance changes. Cached radar and forecast details remain available.

1.16.0–1.17.1 · builds 78–80 · October 4 — Saved places and weather at a glance

Read updateClose update — 1.16.0–1.17.1 · builds 78–80 · October 4 — Saved places and weather at a glance
  • Edit saved-place names or move a location using search, GPS or a map. Review the new point before saving; linked widgets keep their connection to the saved place.
  • An optional Android weather notification provides forecast, refresh and settings actions, using a roughly 30-minute background schedule subject to device limits.

1.15.2 · build 74 · October 4 — Return home from widget settings

Read updateClose update — 1.15.2 · build 74 · October 4 — Return home from widget settings
  • Saving, canceling or backing out of widget settings opened from the gear returns to the home screen while preserving the main app view.

1.15.0 · build 71 — Encrypted backups and selective restore

Read updateClose update — 1.15.0 · build 71 — Encrypted backups and selective restore
  • Backups start encrypted with a passphrase you choose. Readable JSON is optional and asks for confirmation each time.
  • Choose settings and individual saved locations. Restore selected items without deleting unrelated places.
  • A protected, local 24-hour undo record helps reverse a restore on Android. Browser undo lasts only for the session.

Keep your passphrase safely: Sonny and Robo cannot recover it. Local or cloud destinations are selected through your device’s file and share tools.

1.14.0–1.14.4 · builds 65–69 — Widgets that fit your screen

Read updateClose update — 1.14.0–1.14.4 · builds 65–69 — Widgets that fit your screen
  • Choose a dark or light palette and background opacity for each Android widget.
  • Full-width graphs preserve temperature points and rain chances. Text and graph colors stay visible as the background fades.
  • Clearer location-first setup, sample preview backgrounds and instructions for changing appearance after placement.

1.13.1 · build 64 — Reuse radar after reopening

Read updateClose update — 1.13.1 · build 64 — Reuse radar after reopening

Matching time-stamped NOAA and RainViewer tiles can be reused for up to 90 minutes after download, within the existing storage limits. The app still checks the provider’s current timeline and shows scan timestamps. This does not enable background downloads.

1.13.0 · build 63 — Easier settings navigation

Read updateClose update — 1.13.0 · build 63 — Easier settings navigation

Close, Top, Bottom and a section picker remain available while scrolling Settings. Choose which preference groups and locations to back up or restore. Current builds add the encryption protections described above.

Earlier test improvements — More control and clearer information

Read updateClose update — Earlier test improvements — More control and clearer information
  • Light and dark app themes, grouped with descriptions; a separate map choice for Light, Dark or Match theme.
  • Seven Android home-screen widgets: current weather, hourly, seven-day, and rain over 3, 6, 12 or 24 hours.
  • Individually selectable SPC day 4–8 outlook layers and improvements to watch/warning refreshes and map gestures.
  • Text or infographic alert sharing, plus image copying on supported devices.
  • Earlier testing included optional Philippines forecasts. Philippines services and FreeLightning are excluded from the current launch build while provider access is arranged.

Contact Sonny & Robo

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Questions about StormBeacon or an idea for a feature? Email stormbeaconapp@gmail.com. For privacy inquiries, email support@sonnyandrobo.com.

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Development screenshot

In-development screenshot. October 16, 2026 recorded weather; not current conditions. Final appearance and features may change.